By Mariah Doksil onSabah
Liew (centre) showing the book on Captive Elephant Management Plan after unveiling it to mark the launching of the Plan. The book was published by the Sabah Wildlife Department. Flanking her are Lai (on her left) and Gleaser. Also in the picture are Soffian and Lazarus.
KOTA KINABALU (April 9): Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew wants the perception of elephants being seen as a source of conflict and nuisance to be shifted to being recognised as an asset for the state’s tourism, environment and heritage.
Accordong to her, Sabah is home to the smallest elephant in the world, a species found nowhere else on Earth.
“While this unique trait makes them a valuable tourism asset, their existence is increasingly threatened by habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict.
“Today, as we gather to discuss and develop strategies for their conservation, we have an opportunity to ensure that future generations will continue to witness these gentle giants roaming our forests,” she said at the launch of the Captive Elephant Management Plan and Bornean Elephant Conservation Symposium on Wednesday.
“I believe the discussions being held in this symposium are vital in shaping the future of Bornean elephants. We need to strike a delicate balance — one that allows for both the welfare of our people in Sabah and the conservation of elephants to co-exist in harmony.
“We must aim for solutions where both communities and elephants benefit. We have seen successful examples of turning environmental challenges into opportunities.
“The transformation of sea turtle egg collection into a thriving hatchery-based tourism product is a prime example. Can we do the same for elephants? Can we shift the perception of elephants from being seen as a source of conflict and nuisance to being recognised as an asset to our tourism, environment and heritage?” she asked.
The reality is that human-elephant conflict exists. However Liew said instead of seeing it as a burden, all parties must explore ways to turn this challenge into a positive impact for local communities.
She added community-based conservation, ecotourism initiatives and compensation schemes are some avenues worth exploring.
“At the same time, we must strengthen enforcement to protect our elephants. Poaching and illegal killings must be met with strict prosecution to deter future offences.
“Snare traps, the ‘silent killer’ of our wildlife, must also be eradicated. This requires increased patrolling, active removal of traps, and harsher penalties for offenders.
“Only through decisive action and unwavering commitment can we ensure true protection for our wildlife, not just for Bornean elephant,” she added.
Liew also said that the Captive Elephant Management Plan represents a significant step forward in improving the standards of elephant care in Sabah. It is also one of the key outputs of the Bornean Elephant Action Plan, reinforcing commitment to ensure best ex-situ practices for elephant management and long-term conservation efforts.
“Our goal is clear — we want our captive facilities, such as the Bornean Elephant Sanctuary and Lok Kawi Wildlife Park, to be recognised internationally as centres of excellence.
“These facilities provide a haven for elephants that cannot be immediately released into the wild while also supporting rehabilitation and eventual reintroduction, particularly at the Bornean Elephant Sanctuary.
“They play a vital role in conservation education, research, and sustainable tourism. Proper training, resources, and recognition for elephant keeper are essential to their work.
“Investing in better infrastructure will enhance elephant welfare and elevate the tourism experience. A well-managed sanctuary and captive elephant centre will strengthen conservation efforts while boosting Sabah’s tourism appeal, attracting visitors eager to support ethical wildlife conservation,” she said.
With the implementation of the Captive Elephant Management Plan and the insights gained from this symposium, Liew is confident that Sabah’s efforts in Bornean elephant conservation will be taken to new heights.
By working together — government bodies, conservationists, NGOs and local communities, Liew believed all relevent parties can create a model of conservation that will be recognised internationally.
“Let this moment serve as a commitment that we will not allow the Bornean elephant to be pushed toward extinction. Instead, let us pledge to protect, preserve and co-exist with these magnificent creatures for generations to come,” she concluded.
Also present at the event were the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Datuk Josie Lai; director of the Sabah Wildlife Department, Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar; Elephant Conservation Lead, Oregon Zoo, Dr Sharon S. Gleaser and president of Malaysian Association of Zoological Parks and Aquaria (MAZPA), Dr Kevin Lazarus.
